As we approach the end of our calendar year with peace on earth and good will to all mankind, it is appropriate to reflect how we in Wellington have fared. 

Wellington’s economy is and always has been tied to the rural economy. Very rarely in my memory have we had more than one commodity out of four prospering. Today, beef, lambs and wool are all doing very nicely. Wellington now has another greatest opportunity ever. Decentralisation in the form of two correctional centres employing a large work force. Two new solar farms are being considered and the Bodangora Wind Farm is about half way through completion which has about 70 or 80 in the current workforce injecting dollars into our community.

Then there is the joy of living in a smallish community. Recently a lady in a supermarket checkout que thought the one in front of her looked unwell. She spoke to her and was told she was going to faint whereupon she called for help and was readily assisted by other shoppers and the store supervisor. When all this was over the supervisor gave the lady who helped first a beautiful bunch of flowers for helping her friend, only to be told she had never seen the lady before. Stories like that beat the hell out of city life.

Peace on earth, good will to all mankind can be added too – congratulations for living in Wellington.

Campbell Gregory